Chapter XII: Part 12

Died, August 19th, 1856, Thomas Badger, Esq., of the "Hill House," Dudley. This genial, but blunt and frank old gentleman, was one of Dudley's worthiest sons; his familiar figure daily moving in our midst, secured the esteem of all good people, and his quiet and unostentatious benevolence has gladdened the hearts of widows and orphans, when none were allowed to witness the tear of the giver. Mr. Badger (like a great many more of our Dudley worthies) began life in very humble circumstances, and rose step by step until he became Chief Magistrate of this Borough. He was for a lengthened period (along with his brother, Isaac Badger) very extensively engaged in the glass trade, the nail trade, the coal trade, and iron trades of this district, and it is not too much to say that Messrs. Badger Brothers at all times exercised the most potent influence upon the industries of Dudley and neighbourhood. As a large employer of labour, he was much respected by all his workpeople, and a cordial feeling always existed between the head of the firm and the numerous employes both in the ironworks and collieries. In religion he was a sound Churchman, and in politics he belonged to the Tory party, but Mr. Badger was not a rabid politician, for he had the honour of once being requested to stand as a Candidate for the Borough of Dudley, on Independent principles, but he declined the honour. He was a most shrewd and active Magistrate for many years, and as Mr. Badger lived through perilous times his decisions on the Bench were always tempered with a wonderful insight into the human character, accepting Mercy and Justice as his motto. His personal friendships created a halo of kindly feeling and generous sentiment amongst a large circle of personal friends and acquaintances, which will be long remembered in Dudley, and his death, at the ripe old age of 75 years, was universally regretted. A marble monument in St. Edmund's Church records his numerous virtues.

Died, suddenly, August 23rd, 1856, Mr. Joseph Pitchfork, Master for 30 years of Baylies's School, Tower Street. Mr. Pitchfork was a man of very deep and extensive intellectual acquirements, and a more kind-hearted and genial soul never lived. Through his assiduity and zeal, for he was a real lover of his work, his educational training in Baylies's School has bequeathed to this town and locality some of the foremost and most eminent commercial men in our midst, and it is a source of great pleasure to the author of these lines to witness and observe in his walk in life so many evidences of the estimable teaching of the late Mr. Pitchfork. So soon as his lamentable death became known, the following letter was issued, and a public meeting was convened at Baylies's School Room, expressing condolence and sympathy with Mrs. Pitchfork and her family. A Committee of upwards of 60 gentlemen, many of them old pupils, was formed "for the purpose of raising a fund in grateful recognition of his valuable services rendered to the cause of education."

SARACEN'S HEAD INN, DUDLEY,
_August 24th, 1856_.

DEAR SIR,

At a Meeting held this morning, at the above Inn, of a few
Friends of the late MR. JOSEPH PITCHFORK, most of whom were
educated by him in their youth, the following Resolutions were
adopted:--

"That considering the very great and valuable services
rendered to the cause of Education by the Deceased, who held
the appointment of Master of Baylies's School, in Dudley, for
upwards of thirty years, it is desirable that a Subscription
be entered into for presentation to his family, as a suitable
Memorial of the gratitude of his Friends, Pupils, and Admirers,
and in recognition of his eminent public services."

"That Messrs. John Finch, John Castree, John H. Smith, James
Worley, William Insull, Frederick Stokes, William Timmins, and
Edmund Long, all of Dudley, do form themselves into a Committee
for effecting the above purpose."

"That a Meeting be held at the School Room, in Tower Street,
on Friday next, the 29th instant, at Eight o'clock p.m., when
arrangements will be made and Subscriptions received, and that
Subscribers and Friends be respectfully requested to give their
attendance on the occasion."

Should you be prevented attending the Meeting, you or your
Friends will oblige by paying or remitting Subscriptions to any
Member of the Committee, or to myself at any time.

I am also requested to state that such Pupils and Friends as
may be desirous of showing their respect to the Deceased's
memory, and of accompanying his body to the grave, will
assemble at Baylies's School, next Sunday morning at Ten a.m.

I am, dear sir,
Yours respectfully,
JOHN H. SMITH, HON. SEC.
Kate's Hill, Dudley.

A very successful appeal was made on this very worthy occasion, and the following friends assisted in the cause:--

PITCHFORK TESTIMONIAL FUND.

COMMITTEE:

Rev. William McKean
W. E. Johnson, Esq.
Mr. Edward Grainger
" C. F. G. Clark
" Peter Wright
" Edward Wood
" Charles Tyler
" W. Sheppard
" John Owen
" Thomas Roberts
" Alexander Patterson
" George E. Horton
" John Williscroft
" James Smith
" Henry Silvers
" Thomas Crew
" T. E. Beesley
" W. Meese
" Joseph Beddard
" R. W. Vanes
" Geo. T. Patterson
" William Davies
" Samuel Boden
" Thomas Haynes
" George Wood
" George Stevenson
" Thomas Morris
Mr. John Finch
" John Castree
" John H. Vanes
" John H. Smith
" James Worley
" William Insull
" Frederick Stokes
" William Timmins
" Edward Long
" Edward Wood, jun.
" William Bunch
" John Baugh
" G. H. Deeley
" Richard Meredith
" John Newey
" Charles Russell
" Alfred Patterson
" Frederick Timmins
" Elijah Smith
" Edward Pratt
" Thomas Jones
" William Glaze
" James Powell
" George Pitt
" George Blunt
" David Davies
" Simeon Davies

_Treasurer_, Mr. J. Finch.

_Honorary Secretary_, Mr. J. H. Smith.

A Meeting will be held at Baylies's School, Tower Street,
Dudley, on Friday, August 29th, 1856, for the purpose of
raising a Fund in grateful recognition of the valuable services
rendered to the cause of Education by the late Mr. Joseph
Pitchfork, who was Master of that School for a period of 30
years.

The Committee earnestly appeal to the Public, the Friends, and
the Pupils of the deceased in furtherance of this desirable
object, it being the last mark of respect they can pay to the
memory of one who has long and unweariedly laboured for the
intellectual advancement of the rising generation, and whose
sudden decease has left so much to pity and deplore.

Mr. Pitchfork was a Radical in politics, and, in his early days, a friend and unswerving supporter of Sir John Campbell, Bart. He died at the early age of 51 years, respected and beloved by a very large circle of scholars, old pupils and acquaintances, leaving a blank in the town which was long unfilled.

September 9th, 1856. The Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Worcestershire, clothed in their regalia, walked in procession through the town, and dined together at the hotel.

September 10th, 1856. Mr. James Worley, the Collector of the Income and Property Tax and Assessed Taxes for this Parish suddenly absconded with upwards of £2,000 belonging to the Crown Treasury; he afterwards underwent imprisonment in Worcester Gaol for the offence, the town being compelled to make up the deficiency.

Died, September 19th, 1856, having dropped down dead in the street, Mr. John Shedden, Tailor, Stone Street, aged 74 years.

December 10th, 1856. The new Parsonage House of St. Edmund's Parish was occupied at this time by the respected incumbent, the Rev. John Davies, M.A., the land and a handsome donation was given by Lord Ward, the rest of the funds having been raised by voluntary subscription amongst the congregation and friends of the church.

December 17th, 1856. The ladies of St. Edmund's Congregation this evening presented to Mrs. John Davis, at the new St. Edmund's Parsonage, a purse containing £100, as a mark of respect and esteem. Mr. Churchwarden C. F. G. Clark was mainly instrumental in securing the erection of this Parsonage House.

On December 22nd, 1856, a large public meeting was held in the old town hall, Mr. John Renaud, the Mayor, in the chair, to take into consideration the very great injustice of the Income Tax, and to adopt such measures by a petition to the legislature as will lead to its immediate and total repeal. The town having recently been compelled to pay over again James Worley's defalcations, had sorely vexed all parties on the imposition of this tax, but alas, the Exchequer did not like to part with an easily collected tax; so it would look as if we were doomed to have this imposition in perpetuity; for it is 25 years since that meeting was held, and we see the Income Tax gatherer, as heretofore, "taking his walks abroad" amongst us, book in hand.

March 12th, 1857, the borough was greatly astonished and surprised this morning at the publication of the following hand bill, announcing the resignation of our highly esteemed representative, Sir Stafford Northcote, Bart., M.P. A variety of supposed reasons were rapidly floated in the borough for this sudden determination of the honourable baronet to sever his connexion with Dudley; but it was well understood that Sir Stafford's vote on Mr. Cobden's motion against the odious "China opium trade" had given mortal offence to his noble friend, who had withdrawn his countenance and local support from him in these critical times.

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

GENTLEMEN,

I hasten to inform you that I have been induced to offer myself
as a Candidate for the Northern Division of my own County,
both the representatives of which are about to retire from
Parliament. This circumstance will lead to the termination of
my connection with your Borough, a connection to which I shall
always look back with pleasure, and with a sincere feeling of
gratitude for the uniform kindness I have received at the hands
both of my political supporters and my opponents among you.
Should it ever be in my power at any future time to render any
service to my late constituents, they may freely command me.

I remain, Gentlemen,
Your faithful and obliged Servant,
STAFFORD H. NORTHCOTE.

_Pynes, Exeter, March 12th, 1857._

This announcement caused a deputation to start off at once to induce Sir Stafford to withdraw his determination, but it returned with the unpleasant news that "the die was cast," and that our honourable member would not withdraw his resignation, nor sit any longer under a local dictatorship.

Swift and decisive was the action of all the political elements in the Borough at this momentous period. The old Tory party, with Mr. Isaac Badger at their head, was highly enraged at the Castle influence over our esteemed member. The Radical party was equally furious at this wanton interference in high quarters; and the more sober thinking electors began to feel that it was absolutely necessary, now at this juncture, and for ever, to break the neck of that galling dictation which had so long existed in the Borough. The strife began at once in earnest, and bitter indeed was that contest which shook the political House of Himley to its base, and sent the Castle Nominee back to his friends.

DUDLEY ELECTION.

The Independent Electors of the Borough of Dudley are earnestly
requested to withhold any pledge upon the forthcoming Election
until a Deputation which is about to wait upon SIR STAFFORD H.
NORTHCOTE returns from the interview with him.

By Order of the Council of Snobs,
I. SNUBB, ESQUIRE, CHAIRMAN.

_Brandy Row, March 16th, 1857._

* * * * *

DUDLEY ELECTION!

All Persons desirous of Redeeming the Political Independence
of Dudley, are requested to attend a Meeting at the Castle and
Falcon Inn, this afternoon, Thursday, March the 19th, at three
o'clock precisely.

_Castle and Falcon Inn, Wolverhampton Street, March 19th, 1857._

Whilst these angry elements were getting ventilated amongst the irritated electors, it was known to a chosen few that the wire-pullers were at work, and that a ready cut and dried candidate "was bottled up not far from the Priory," ready to be let off at any moment, hence, at the fitting time, out came his address.

TO THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

GENTLEMEN,

The retirement of SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE having created a
vacancy in the Representation of your Borough, I venture
to offer myself as a Candidate for your suffrages at the
approaching Election.

In doing so, I am anxious to state, with perfect candour, the
political views I entertain on some of the important questions
of the day.

I am in favor of that system of progressive Legislation
which has for its object the Reform of all existing abuses,
without having recourse to violent and organic changes in the
constitution of Church and State.

During the period I had the honour of a seat in Parliament,
at a time when the policy of Free Trade was much questioned,
I felt it my duty to support and advocate the system of
Commercial Freedom introduced by the late Sir Robert Peel.

I rejoice to think that this policy has tended to promote the
comfort and welfare of the People, to inspire confidence in
the justice of Parliament, and to augment to such a wonderful
extent the Trade and Revenue of the Country.

While the partial diminution of the Income Tax is a matter of
congratulation, I am strongly of opinion that it is the duty of
the Government, by means of well-considered reductions in our
expenditure, to make provision for the final extinction of a
Tax, valuable in time of war, but unjust as a permanent burden
on the energies and property of the Country during a period of
Peace.

With respect to the vote on the Chinese War, which has led
directly to the present appeal to the Country, while I
deeply regret that hostilities should have been carried to
such an extent without the knowledge of the Government, I am
nevertheless strongly of opinion that it was necessary for the
honor of the Country, as well as for the security of the lives
and property of our fellow-subjects in that distant quarter of
the Globe, that the Government should uphold and defend, with
that courage and determination which has ever characterized
Lord Palmerston on such occasions, the conduct of its Officers,
until the adjustment of the points in dispute shall have been
obtained.

Subjects connected with the reform of many social evils must
shortly engage the attention of the Legislature--the extension
of the blessings of Education--the Reformation of Juvenile
Offenders, and the Policy to be pursued towards those under
sentence of Penal servitude.

To all these measures I will give my best attention, believing
that they are the questions which touch most nearly the
best interests of the Country at the present moment--the
consideration of which can no longer be delayed, and for the
speedy carrying out of which it is necessary, in my opinion, to
strengthen the hands of the present Ministry.

Gentlemen,--Having no mere Party or personal motives to
gratify, my conduct, should I have the honor of being returned
to Parliament as your Representative, will ever be governed by
the best judgment I am able to form of what is conducive to the
honor, welfare, and commercial prosperity of the Country.

I may be permitted to add, that it will always be my wish to
attend to your Local interests, and to forward those measures
which you may think necessary to the prosperity of Dudley and
its neighbourhood.

I have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
J. SANDARS.

_15, Eaton Square, March 18th._

Mr. J. Sandars' address was read with a good share of criticism by both parties, but as it was hatched at the Priory it would not go down the throats of the ultra Tories, and as for the ultra Radicals they were determined to fish out a candidate of their own liking. Mr. J. Sandars (it came out on investigation) had represented Great Yarmouth for a short period as a Palmerstonian supporter, that he had been rejected for Bewdley, and was willing to do the "Ward Trick" for Dudley, if elected. Just at this juncture of events the Earldom of the house of Himley was looming in the distance, and any support that could be given to Lord Palmerston's government was of moment to the interested parties; but another strong element was also engaging the minds and inclinations of some of the most active politicians in Dudley on both sides of the question, and it was determined to make a bold and resolute effort to shake off the "unhallowed incubus" which had so long sat upon the backs of the Dudley so-called free and independent electors. This extreme measure was successfully effected by a "Public Coalition" between the ultra Tories, lead on by Mr. Isaac Badger, Mr. Wm. Haden, Mr. J. G. Walker, &c., and the ultra Radicals, headed by Messrs. T. Wood, G. Wood, Wm. Insull, Samuel Cook, and others. After this "happy family" had been wrought into working condition, its first business was to fraternize after Dudley fashion, and then bring out an "Independent Candidate that could lick Lord Ward." The greatest desideratum believed to be advisable was to secure a local man, one who knew something about the iron and coal trades. Three or four highly eligible gentlemen hereabouts were interviewed without success, so that there was no alternative but sending up to London for an enterprising young gentleman willing to stand for Dudley.

On March 21st, 1857, a supple candidate to suit both parties was brought down from London, equipped for any emergency, in the person of (_a time-honoured name_) Mr. Henry Brinsley Sheridan, Barrister-at-law, the Inner Temple, London.

Mr. Sheridan's address appeared at once, and as it smacked a good deal of the learned lawyer, and promised to abrogate questions which both the Tories and the Radicals were anxious to see expunged from the Statute Book, its appearance was hailed with a jubilee of satisfaction, and the crowning period of Dudley's Political Freedom was foreshadowed. Strenuous efforts were made to induce Mr. Charles Shaw, of Birmingham, Merchant, to come forward on moderate Conservative principles, which was thought by some might conduce to heal the Tory breach in the Borough; but Mr. Shaw was too shrewd a gentleman to be dropped betwixt two stools, so he declined the honour with thanks, and left the Electors of Dudley to fight the battle of political freedom in the candidature of Mr. J. Sandars and Mr. H. B. Sheridan.

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

GENTLEMEN,

In pursuance of a Requisition, I offer myself to the Electors
of Dudley as a Candidate for the honor of representing you in
the forthcoming Parliament, and my desire is to assist you
in the assertion of your right to choose for yourselves the
man who is to represent your views in the House of Commons.
I take this step the more readily from an inherent desire to
be independent myself, and to co-operate with men animated
by similar views. If I am fortunate enough to be returned to
Parliament by your votes, I will submit to neither blandishment
nor dictation, but will think for myself on the great
questions of the day, and in thus doing, I shall be imitating
the manly characteristics of the Electors of Dudley, who are
neither to be unduly influenced, interfered with, or dictated
to. Impressed with these views, I will be open and candid
with you in reference to those articles in the Political
Creed, which at the present hour are the principal subjects of
discussion.

INCOME TAX.--I am a staunch advocate for its entire and
immediate abolition.

CHURCH RATES.--I am in favor of their Repeal, but am willing
to substitute, if practicable, some equivalent that will
preserve our magnificent National Edifices from decay, and at
the same time secure to our Protestant Church the alliance and
protection of the state.

FRANCHISE.--I am in favor of gradually and carefully extending
the Franchise, to meet the wants arising from the advancement
and progress of the age, and in furtherance of this view, am
willing to place the County Voter upon an equality with the
Borough Voter by giving him a £10 qualification.

ARMY AND NAVY.--I am decidedly in favor of a thorough and
searching Reform in both these departments of the National
Service, and particularly of introducing, as a chief feature of
such Reform, the practice of granting Commissions and giving
Promotion to merit.

SHIPPING AND SOUNDING DUES.--I am determined to use every
constitutional means to obtain the entire removal of these
obstructive imposts, believing that no Corporate Funds ought to
be increased by Taxes that amount to a restriction on Trade,
and which press with peculiar severity upon industry and
manufacture.

EXTRA PAROCHIAL PROPERTY.--All property should and must be made
to bear its equal share of local burdens.

THE WAR WITH CHINA.--I am not in favor of delegating to
individuals the power to declare War in the name of Great
Britain, or the right to bombard Cities and destroy life and
property. I deprecate at all times the unnecessary shedding of
human blood; but the Chinese War having now commenced and the
interests involved being so enormous, I am in favor of adopting
every legitimate means for bringing the conflict to an end, a
jealous regard being had for the honour of English Policy, and
the power of English might.

EDUCATION.--This I am desirous of extending to its utmost
limits, totally irrespective of Sectarianism, firmly believing
that to Education we must look for the ultimate happiness and
prosperity of the country.

THE BALLOT.--I am not disposed to adopt the Ballot, believing
that the reasons at present urged in favour of secret voting
will rapidly and altogether pass away with the growing
intelligence and progress of the age.

FREE TRADE has my unqualified support.

LOCAL INTERESTS.--I am anxious to identify myself absolutely
with the views and interests of your Borough, and in the event
of my Election, I will spare no opportunity of proving to you
practically the earnestness and sincerity of my professions.

Gentlemen, These are my political views, and I believe that
if honestly advocated and carried out with purity of purpose,
under the blessing of Providence, they will conduce to the
happiness and welfare of the millions of our native land.

I am, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
HENRY BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.

_Inner Temple, London, and Bellefield House, Fulham, Middlesex.
March 21st, 1857._

* * * * *

To Enterprising Young Men in Search of Employment, Stump
Orators, and Others.

WANTED, for the Borough of Dudley, a CANDIDATE for PARLIAMENT!
to Represent the "Badger" Interest.

He must be a man with plenty of "Jaw," and one who will not
stick at trifles, but can turn himself round as a Weathercock.
One who has formerly been a Conservative, but is now an extreme
Radical, will be preferred.

[asterism] None need apply except they have both "jaw" and
credit, as many of those who would otherwise do, as regards the
former, are excluded by want of the latter.

Apply by Letter only, W. Rattlebrain, Pig street.

* * * * *

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

Mr. SANDARS, the Candidate for the Representation of this
Borough, will address the Electors at the Old Town Hall, on
Friday, the 20th instant, at Three o'clock in the Afternoon.

_Dudley, 19th March, 1857._

* * * * *

Found! Found!! Found!!! The "Enterprising Young Man for the
Borough of Dudley." He has both "Jaw and Credit," and can
Represent the Badger Interest, but Alas! Alas!! Alas!!! When I
advertised for him I did not think he would so soon have made
his appearance.

Signed, HONEY MERRY.

* * * * *

DUDLEY ELECTION.

TO THE FREE AND INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

Withhold the Promise of your Votes to Mr. Sandars, as Charles
Shaw, Esq., of Birmingham, is expected in Dudley this Evening.

AN ELECTOR.

_Dudley, March 20th, 1857._

* * * * *

At a Meeting of the Non-Electors of Dudley, held at the
Lancasterian School Room, Stafford Street, the 25th day of
March, 1857. Mr. William Gilbert, Jun., in the chair, it was--

Moved by Mr. Longhurst, and Seconded by Mr. Oakley, and
carried unanimously:--"That this Meeting of Non-Electors of
Dudley welcomes the present favourable opportunity which now
offers itself of freeing the Borough of Dudley from Political
Vassalage, Nomineeism, and Lordly Dictation."

Moved by Mr. Wallwork, seconded by Mr. Ginder, Jun., and
carried unanimously:--"That the Non-Electors of Dudley,
hereby pledge themselves to support the Political Freedom and
Independence of this Borough, by using all legitimate efforts
to ensure the triumphant return of the Independent Candidate,
Henry Brinsley Sheridan, Esq."

Moved by Mr. Wallwork, seconded by Mr. Parsons, and carried
unanimously:--"That the best thanks be given to the Chairman,
for his conduct in the Chair."

W. GILBERT, Jun., Chairman.

* * * * *

TO THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

We, the undersigned, request the Independent Electors of the
Borough of Dudley to meet at the Old Town Hall, to-morrow, at
One o'clock, to consider what steps can be best taken to secure
the Independence of the Borough, and to enable the Electors to
exercise their free and unbiassed judgment in the choice of
their Representative.

Isaac Badger
W. Robinson
W. Haden
J. Renaud
Thomas Badger
J. G. Walker
J. Beddard
J. Owen
J. Walker
Thomas Steedman
W. Wilkinson
G. Smith
Joshua Wilkinson
Gilbert Shaw
Thomas Shaw
Joseph Owen
James Darby.

_March 23rd, 1857._

The Political ball had now been set rolling by both parties in this unnatural contest, but men in Dudley had learnt the old adage--"that misfortune makes men acquainted with strange bedfellows," therefore they had accepted their dubious lot at all hazards, and it soon became evident that Mr. Sheridan was the idol of the Non-Electors, whose potent influence was brought to bear with great persistence upon the thousand Electors. Mr. Sheridan was found to be free and pleasant and spoke well on the platform; he was admirably schooled in political knowledge, and he knew how to please the wives as well as the voters. Meetings by both Candidates were held almost hourly, for there was no time to lose, and the screw that was put on at head-quarters was both unmanly and ungenerous, causing a large number of former Conservative voters to declare their intention to support Mr. Sheridan, the Independent Candidate. However, before the Nomination day arrived, (March 28th) Mr. Sandars had found out that his cards had been seen by his opponents and that he was playing a losing game, calculated to damage his aspirations at some more acceptable Borough, he therefore issued the following address, which promoted H. B. Sheridan, Esq., to the distinguished position of being elected the Independent Member for the Nominee Borough of Dudley.

TO THE ELECTORS OF DUDLEY.

GENTLEMEN,

The aspect of this Election has assumed a character of a purely
personal nature, in which Politics are entirely forgotten.

While I feel my own individual claims to the honor of
representing you in Parliament have not even been called in
question, and am deeply sensible of the kind manner in which
I have been generally received, I cannot disguise from myself
that in the present state of feeling in the Borough, arising
from misrepresentation, and a disinclination on the part of the
Electors to calmly consider the actual facts of the case, the
result of a direct appeal to the Constituency would be doubtful.

Under these circumstances I have resolved to retire from the
contest, persisting in which would occasion an unusual amount
of ill feeling, and be painful to those, who, having hitherto
acted together during the whole of their Political life, would
on this occasion be found ranged in opposition to each other.

Time, I trust, will convince you, that I came forward on purely
Independent grounds, as a supporter of the energetic policy of
Lord Palmerston, to uphold which I believe to be the real wish
of the Electors of Dudley.

I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
J. SANDARS.

_Dudley, 27th, March, 1857._

* * * * *

NOT WANTED! "THE WEAKLY PRESS-GANG!"

URGENTLY WANTED!! A GOOD LEADER THERE FOR!

Must be a Leader of _principal_ wherewith to prop the LOCAL
BUTTER Paper _interest_!!! _Local_ Cockney Correspondents,
Castle Toadies, Priory Vassals, Quibbling Quacks, Old Women,
Lazy Printers' Devils, and Industrious Nonentities, especially
needed, as the Butter Paper Press, _alias_ the "Weakly Times,"
is in feeble health!!!

By order of the Society for the prohibition of useless
knowledge, the protection of the Queen's English, and the total
suppression of the Public Traffic in Cheap Composition, Cant,
Cabbage, and Castle-toadyism.

_Address_--
COBBLEM & MACKEMTIRE,
Little Castle Alley!!!
A FRIEND OF ONE THAT HAS BRAINS TO RATTLE.

* * * * *

DUDLEY ELECTION.

What causes Electors to wish for the Ballot?

What causes Electors to remain neutral?

What causes Chartism?

Through Lords or their Agents to exert authority or power in an
Insolent, Arbitrary, or Tyrannical manner.

Down with such, and we, as Englishmen, had ought to enjoy that
Charter which was given to us by King John.

Stick true to those liberties you have, and not be slaves to
any one. Use your own opinion and fear no one.

AN ELECTOR.

* * * * *

STOP.

ELECTORS OF DUDLEY be _Men._--_Think_ for yourselves.--_Vote_
for yourselves.--Do not allow any Lord to rob you of your
franchise.

If you vote for Sandars you sanction the right of Lord Ward
to choose your Representative.--You abandon your right of
selecting one that is independent.

If Sandars be elected he dare not vote in opposition to his
Lordship's will, if he did he would soon cease to be Member for
Dudley, under such circumstances he will be Lord Ward's and not
your Member.

How has Lord Ward treated Sir Stafford H. Northcote? Most
shamefully; there is proof in this town that Sir Stafford did
not go to North Devon as a matter of choice.--He abandoned
Dudley because Lord Ward abandoned him for Voting honorably
on the China question in opposition to the Ministry which has
the support of Lord Ward, on that ground his Lordship sent us
Mr. Sandars.--Now this Gentleman told us at his first Meeting
that he had his Lordship's support, that his Lordship spent a
quarter of a million annually in 'this Borough' (we suppose
this was a mistake, and that he meant 'the world') and that
therefore his Lordship had a right to be represented.

The meaning of this could not be mistaken, but let us ask why
does not his Lordship act and vote for himself in the House of
Peers? Let him use his hereditary privileges for the protection
of his rights and not rob us of ours.--We would not ask by what
means his ancestors became entitled to the Estates the income
whereof enables so large an expenditure; but we will tell his
Lordship that were he alone upon those Estates, and had not the
assistance and labor of the surrounding inhabitants, he would
have no income to expend--Thus it is clear that his Lordship
is indebted to the people, and not the people to him. Shall
he then hold us in hereditary bondage with the very means the
people create for him? Shall he put a veto on the use of our
intellects and nominate _his_ as _our_ Representative without a
struggle on our part? Could our ancestors arise they would be
ashamed of us, they would weep to see us licking the dust upon
the heels of power without an effort to be free.

This nominee tells us he is a supporter of Lord Palmerston on
the China question, which means that he, Sandars, will back
the _murder and wholesale butchery_ in China of thousands of
innocent men; he will support the Government in burning and
destroying the houses of the rich and poor at Canton; he is
the man to aid and abet the breaking out of war on the part of
the English, without the knowledge or assent of the people, or
of the Parliament: he is the man to uphold the Government in
setting the vote of the Peoples' Representatives at defiance:
he is the man who talks of assisting in the reduction of the
Income Tax, and yet will afford facilities for the expenditure
of our money in war without our knowledge or consent: he is
the man who on the hustings at Bewdley alleged that he was a
follower of Earl Derby, and now comes here in opposition to
that Nobleman on the very question which has broken up the
present Parliament.

ELECTORS "awake, arise, or be for ever fallen." Men of all
shades of Politics, Whig and Tory, buckle on your armour, go
hand in hand, beat back the foe that would rob you of your
franchise. Shew your independence, let cowardice be distant. It
is not a question between Whig and Tory that we have to decide,
(Sandars is neither Whig or Tory,) but between Independence
and Mental Slavery. The days when Lordlings treated Villagers
as Serfs and Vassals have passed, and it is only history that
should remind us that such things were.

Shall we return to serfdom and vassalage?--No.

Is the Lord of our manor to nominate our man, and say as of old
"to hear is to obey"?--No.

Stir yourselves, put an end to your lethargy, rally round
the standard of the worthy, independent, and intelligent Mr.
SHERIDAN; go forth to the battle determined to defend your
rights, even as our ancestors would have done with their blood,
and Victory shall be yours.

AN ELECTOR.

* * * * *

DUDLEY ELECTION--

The Rival Candidates--Which is the True and Consistent one?

BROTHER ELECTORS,

Be not deceived! Look at the member for Yarmouth's policy at
Bewdley--examine well his opinions upon that occasion, and then
turn to his address to you--can you call this man Consistent?
Is he one that you can trust? Common-sense men will tell you
NO! And we trust that you will echo and repeat this answer
No!--to the poll--and prove to everybody that you will not
have a man who comes under false colours, or who is a mere
Weathercock to suit the several constituencies to whom he may
offer himself. A Derbyite to the Electors of Bewdley, and a
Palmerstonian to Lord Ward, whom He deems to be the "Borough of
Dudley" itself. Ponder this and you will then plump for the man
who has so nobly responded to your call--the man who bears the
time-honoured name of HENRY BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.

Brother Electors, do not be deceived!
AN INDEPENDENT ELECTOR.

* * * * *

A FEW LINES TO THE PRAISE OF THE CASTLE BLOATER!

SHERIDAN, the brave has come to the scratch,
And in him the BLOATER will find a good match;
When back'd by a BADGER and "Marine store,"
The BLOATER will find his existence is o'er!

CHORUS.

So ye voters of Dudley, now come to a man,
And vote for the _honest_ H. B. SHERIDAN.

Mr. Stoke-em, and Bed-em, Insult-em, and all,
Declare that the power of the Castle shall fall!!
And prove to his Lordship, and also his men,
We'll have for our M.P.--H. B. SHERIDAN.

So ye voters of Dudley, &c.

ISAAC BADGER with honor has left all the knaves
Who stick to his Lordship because they're his slaves;
For Dick Smith and T--r have tried all they can,
But BADGER has stuck to us like a true man.

So ye voters of Dudley, &c.

For the power of his Lordship we don't care a straw,
And we'll show him in Dudley his _will_ is not law!
At his Lordship and Dickey we'll level a reef,
Not at Christmas to rob his poor men of their beef

So ye voters of Dudley, &c.

But sure with poor Dickey I don't want to quarrel,
Although to us he was sent pack'd up in a barrel!
The barrel was pierc'd with holes very fine,
If they'd found him out, he'd been hung with a line.

So ye voters of Dudley, &c.

Just arrived, a few Barrels of choice YARMOUTH BLOATERS, 7 a
1d., stirred up fresh from the bottom.

* * * * *

DUDLEY ELECTION.

The Tories and Radicals, strange though it be,
Have banded together for "Libertie,"
In the famous Borough of old Dudley;
Singing fiddle de diddle, diddle de dee,
Oh, for his Lordship's Nominee!
So away they go, with a hop and a jump!
Fish, flesh, and fowl, to find if they can,
An ornithorincus kind of a man!
Singing fiddle de diddle, diddle de bump,
Whig, Tory, and Radical all in a lump;
There's Badger, and Walker, and Cookee, and Stokes,
And the devil knows how many capital folks!
And they all are resolved, though they love bread and butter,
To tickle his Lordship's respectable crupper:
Singing, go it, ye Britons, three cheers for the three,
Lord Ward, Isaac Badger, and Sammy Cookee,
The Radical, Whig, and jolly Tory;
And good luck to the man who will purchase of me.--B.B.

* * * * *

DUDLEY ELECTION.

FELLOW ELECTORS,

By way of adding injury to the insult which Lord Ward and his
party have already inflicted upon you, it is now currently
reported that the Workmen of the Ward and Black-Cock interest
have been made to understand that they must surround the
hustings to-morrow morning, and prevent your own Candidate,
SHERIDAN, from getting a hearing; so much for Liberty and
Freedom of Speech! Let me advise you, at least to give a
hearing to Sandars; don't do him an injustice or yourselves.
If Lord Ward's Interest demands that you shall not hear Mr.
Sheridan, the Public Press will contain a faithful report of
all he will say in reply, and will be published on Saturday
morning.

IMPARTIAL.

* * * * *

To be Sold Cheap!--a Yarmouth BLOATER, none the worse for
unsuccessful exposure for sale on the stalls of Bewdley and
Dudley. For terms of Sale apply to The Priory!

N.B.--The above Bloater is well cured!

1840-1. The bad trade at this time, and the disturbed state of the working classes, arising in a great measure from the poisoned seeds of anarchy and distrust which was then sown broadcast by the Chartist leaders amongst the idle, ignorant, and dissolute, made it incumbent upon the public authorities in Dudley to erect a safeguard against any sudden surprise to life and property; thus it was that a day and night patrol of the roads and streets was established to maintain the peace and keep order in the town, and the following respectable townsmen formed a section of our guardian angels--

DUDLEY CONSTABULARY FORCE:

_John Roberts_, Commandant.

_Seventh Division._

ISAAC BADGER, Superintendent.

E. CRESSWELL, Deputy Superintendent.

Ed. Cresswell, jun.
William Beddard
H. Addenbrooke
John Bent
Samuel Edwards
William Cole
Daniel Parker
Jeremiah Parker
Thomas Berry
William Fellowes
Stephen Dunn
William Cooper
James Wood
Stephen Hodgetts
Peter Minty
Moses Hughes
Richard Stokes
William Deeley
George Cardo

INSTRUCTIONS.--When summoned, to attend instantly; and when assembled on duty not to depart or absent themselves without permission from the Magistrates or their respective Superintendents. The ringing of the small and large bells of St. Thomas's Church will be the signal for the immediate assembling of the whole Constabulary force. Every one disobeying these instructions will have the full penalty of the Law enforced against him. Fortunately for the comfort of these brave volunteers no bells were rung, neither did any dreaded Chartists appear to oppose their pot-valiant authority, but the capers which some of these "Specials" occasionally cut, and the midnight orgies at certain favoured houses of public resort, kept by many a "hearty good fellow," where ale was strong and protection sure against all assaults upon the body, made these persons on special public duty memorable, and afforded food for scandal and amusement to many in after years.

BEN BOUCHER,

_The Dudley Poet and Rhymist_.

"Oh! rare Ben Boucher, Boucher Ben;
The best of Poets, but worst of men."

This extraordinary old man was truly a "curiosity" in himself; for many years he enlivened the Black Country with _distiches_ of the ins and outs of life, in all its varied phases, by his peculiar doggerel poetry or songs, which the old man used to compose on any public event which struck his fancy or provoked his wrath. He then sallied out to the wondering public, and sold his songs at one penny per sheet, and familiar indeed was the figure of the old poet, daily in our streets vending his singular wares. He took up all sorts of sad, grim, and pleasurable subjects, from the hanging of some wretch at Stafford Gaol, to a dog, or cock fight at Sedgley, or Tipton. Ben Boucher was a Collier by trade, and was born at Horseley Heath, in the year 1769, but the greater part of his singular and irregular life was spent in Dudley, at certain favourite public house haunts, where his talents were appreciated, and his songs admired and read by the curious.

The following is a sample of some of his effusions:--On the death of Dr. Booker, away from Dudley.

St. Luke is dead--a Poet and Divine--
I hope his spirit doth in glory shine.
To save expense, and the roads being ugly,
Or the Doctor would have come to Dudley.

* * * * *

In Dudley town there lives a man
Who deals in silk and clothes, sir;
If you trust him your mutton to Cook,
He'll be sure to spoil your broth, sir.

A certain tailor kept a horse for amusement in those days, not in the best condition, so we have the horse described:--

THE HORSE.

His back it is both long and thin,
His belly has got no corn therein;
He looks both naked and forlorn,
And takes the whip instead of corn.

Mr. Jno. Williams a highly respectable draper in the town, having altered his political opinions in those days, fell in for Ben's animadversions on that occasion.

Where is big John the draper gone,
Chairman at last election,
The Bowling Green, that source of spleen
Which led to his detection.

Written on the pulling down of the old St. Thomas's Parish Church:--

The seats and the windows, ah, and the clock too,
Were sent on to Gornal, to their Gornal crew;
For the sand men and asses, for to go to church,
And the people of Dudley were left in the lurch.

LINES ON DUDLEY MARKET, 1827.

At Dudley Market, now I tell,
Most kind of articles they sell;
The women take the greatest care
To buy up crocks and earthenware,
Milkpans, and colliers' tots,
Coloured cups and chamber-pots.
Old shoes to sell, there stands close by,
With shabby strings--the same they tie;
If in those shoes you walk about,
The bottoms soon will tumble out--
Hats, caps, and bonnets blue,
And trowsers wide enough for two.--
If you pop round the market place
There you may buy a farthing lace;
Besides penknives, for Jack and Jim,
And razors for the daddy's chin--
Rocking-chairs and children's cradles,
Porridge-pots and wooden ladles.--
Kash from Walsall, kills the worms;
Judas brings a salve for corns;
Mind these men or you'll be bitten--
Black Jack's wife brings salve from Tipton--
At the top of the Shambles Sally stands,
She holds the basket in her hands:
"Now my good people don't be lacking,
Here you may buy the best of blacking."
Just below, the butchers there you'll find,
With shows of meat to please the mind;
From most parts these butchers come;
Mind the steelyard--twig the thumb.--
There's hares, rabbits, and partridges, and pheasants, too,
Some are shot by sportsmen, and some are hung by the neck, too--
There's butter, bacon, cheese, and eggs,
Sold by old Giles with crooked legs--
More than that if you just turn round,
There's gingerbread eightpence a pound!
Besides plum pudding, both rich and nice,
On the next stall twopence a slice.--
In Stoney Street there stands the swine,
Both right and left all in a line;
They sell these pigs so much per score,
So on that street I'll say no more.--
Come, to a tavern let us go,
There's some above and some below;
There's one that keeps good ale and pop,
He also keeps a liquor shop;
He sells roast beef down in Queen Street,
His house is always clean and neat--
Old Nanny Mason comes in with her nuts,
And on the floor her basket puts;
A curtsey drops, "Kind sirs," says she,
"Mine age is nearly eighty-three."--
Old Timms comes in, "All hot," did cry,
And you may either toss or buy.--
There's one-arm'd Joe among the lot,
With mutton pies all smoking hot.

Please to remember what I have said:
You will never hear the like again.

When Mr. Thomas Hawkes defeated Sir John Campbell at the election:--

Hawkes to Cape--ll gave a note,
And for five pounds bought his vote;
He therefore thus did change his coat
And to the Tories gave his vote.

ON A WATERLOO VETERAN

Charley was young and in his prime,
A courting went to widow Pincher;
She was shy, and fair, and fine,
He was constant and no flincher.
The time arrived when they got married,
She had houses, and cows, Sirs, four,
But Charley soon them all did swallid,
And left her in an evil hour;
He went and drank just like an ass,
Then came home as you may guess
And found her dead; but was not wise,
So he'd make her do the exercise;
The women did not like such jokes,
So they sent off for T. Pitt Stokes--
Who neck and crop to the Workhouse took him
And in the dungeon they did hook him.
This madman told the gentlemen,
That he would fetch her back again,
So they kept him there till she was buried,
When he got home he was most worried.

Many hundred comical verses by this singular man have perished from memory since his death, but _Ben_ was a great Tory in his time, and his latter days were sustained by political association and sympathy. The old man at last became houseless and very poor, and was eventually removed to the Workhouse, where he died in 1851, being upwards of eighty years of age.

TO THE FREE AND INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

GENTLEMEN,

The proceedings of this morning at the Hustings having through
your united generous efforts resulted in my being elected as
your Representative in the ensuing Parliament, I hasten to
tender you my most heartfelt acknowledgments for the honour
you have conferred upon me in placing me in the proud position
which it is now my privilege to occupy.

I abstain from referring to the contest, which during my
canvass appeared to be before me, and I cheerfully congratulate
you on the peaceful and successful termination of the struggle
in which we have been engaged.

To you, Gentlemen, the victory is due; a more enlightened,
faithful, and zealous body of supporters never rallied round
a Candidate, even to vindicate the great right of Municipal
Independence.

Gentlemen, my political principles are now well known to
you, they have been unreservedly communicated, and have your
unqualified approbation. Believe me, it shall be my study
vigorously to aid in giving effect to them in the House of
Commons, and also to further all measures of local improvement
or general principle which have the approval of my Constituents.

I trust, Gentlemen, I shall ere long have an opportunity
of renewing my personal acquaintance with you, and by
interchanging those sentiments and feelings which have animated
and sustained us in the contest now happily at an end.

Till then I bid you farewell; and once more offering you my
grateful acknowledgements,

I have the honor to be,
Your most obedient Servant,
HENRY BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.

_Bush Hotel, Dudley, March 27, 1857._

This contest, so abruptly brought to a close by the resignation of Mr. Sandars at the eleventh hour, proclaimed the Political Independence of the Borough of Dudley _for all time_. The pointed pen of squibs and banter was more liberally used at this election than on former occasions, but it must be recollected that the 25 years past had brought new literary blood into the town; that our old sedate fashion of conducting an election had died out, and we had now entered upon a new path of fame and progression, which our grandfathers never dreamt about. However, "the horse-play" at the time was taken in good part, "a Roland was now and then given for an Oliver," and there was not a few of our liege subjects who were more pleased than offended at being placed in the mirror of these stirring days. Mr. Sheridan received a truly public ovation on his leaving the town for London, and old, excited Dudley soon resumed its wonted quietude.

Died, April 18th, 1857, in lodgings in Birmingham, Mr. T. H. Naracher, a retired Chemist and Druggist from this town. Mr. Naracher had passed through a very eventful life. He was a native of Zurich, in Switzerland, and, in early life had travelled the continents of Europe and America, and became a famous linguist. In the exciting, gambling Railway mania of 1844-5-6, poor Mr. Naracher invested his comfortable income, which was all swept away, and he died in poverty and indigence, aged 56 years.

Died, May 12th, 1857, Mr. Charles Lester, Wine and Spirit Merchant, Market Place, the last surviving son of the late Mr. Thomas Lester, aged 36 years.

June 2nd, 1857. The Dudley Castle Fetes took place this day, when two large siege guns, taken at Sebastopol from the Russians, were drawn up to the rampart of the Castle Keep, and inaugurated as trophies with great pomp and acclamation by the Dudley Troop of Worcestershire Yeomanry.

July 20th, 1857. The Odd Fellows of the Manchester Unity walked in procession with their regalia through the town this day, and dined at their various Lodge rooms.

Died, July 22nd, 1857, Mr. Benjamin Leadbetter, a noted Querist.

August, 1857. Upon the appointment to the important situation of Organist to the Parish Church, much uncharitable feeling was generated in the parish by the Vicar, Dr. Browne, refusing the use of the vestry to arrange and discuss this parochial business; ultimately, the Vicar gained his especial point, and all that the Churchwardens could do was to bottle the affront offered to them and the parish, and publish the following correspondence to tell its own tale.

APPOINTMENT OF ORGANIST.

TO THE SUBSCRIBERS TO THE ST. THOMAS'S CONGREGATIONAL FUND.

GENTLEMEN,

The Vicar, having refused the use of the Vestry Room for the
Meeting appointed to take place this morning, and published
the communication referring thereto, we beg to lay before you
the whole correspondence that has passed between us, and part
of which Dr. Browne chooses to say was so unsatisfactory as to
induce him, and the Churchwardens, somewhat hastily to appoint
an Organist; after the Meeting of the 14th we called upon the
Vicar to consult him on this business, and it was arranged and
distinctly understood that we should immediately advertise the
vacancy, and appoint by umpire or otherwise, to be subsequently
decided on, Mr. Woodall continuing until the end of this
month, and, if unsuccessful as a Candidate, to be paid for his
services. We leave it for your consideration whether we have
merited the extraordinary treatment we have received from Dr.
Browne.

The Office you kindly appointed us to being now at an end, we
have to thank you very sincerely for your confidence in us,

And remain, Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully,
DANIEL JORDAN,
SAMUEL PRICE.

_Dudley, August 24th, 1857._

* * * * *

The Vicarage, Dudley, 14th August, 1857.

Messrs. JORDAN & PRICE,

DEAR SIRS,

"The unanimous and satisfactory decision of the Meeting having
this day committed the same routine of duty to your especial
care and attention, I have to request that you will make the
formation of a Male Choir and the distinct prohibition of
Female Singers one main feature in your negociations with any
party or parties respecting the appointment of Organist, and I
am inclined to the idea that you should revert, as suggested,
to another advertisement; some two or more individuals should
be selected from whom the Vicar and Warden or Wardens should be
empowered to appoint one, by this means I trust all unnecessary
clashing of Local and Official authority will be effectually
avoided."

"I shall feel obliged by sufficient parchments being forwarded
for the copying some 1,800 Baptisms and about two-thirds that
number of Burials, for the years 1855 and 1856; each sheet
contains 32 copies, the numbers would be 56 of the former and
40 of the latter; this, you will observe, does not include the
present year 1857, which will require a moiety of the above,

viz. } 84 Baptism Sheets, and
_in toto_ } 60 Burial ditto

I am, dear Sirs,
Yours very faithfully,
JAMES C. BROWNE.

P.S.--There is half-a-year due for Surplice washing to Mrs.
Clayton.

* * * * *

_Dudley, August 15th, 1857._

TO THE REV. DR. BROWNE,

DEAR SIR,